Day 162: Aglio e olio

This might just be my new favorite pasta side dish. It coaxes a lot of flavor out of just a handful of ingredients to wonderful results! I love the clean flavor palette and bright flavors.

i

Ingredients:

4 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 c olive oil

1/3 tsp red pepper flakes

1 lb pasta

1 tbsp dried basil

salt and pepper

a handful of fresh oregano

1/2 c parmesan

Start by preparing the pasta according to directions. As it cooks, heat the olive oil over medium heat in a large saucepan. Once warm, add 3 cloves worth of the minced garlic, cooking until golden. Sprinkle in the red pepper flakes and stir. Remove from heat.

Once the pasta is cooked, reserve 1 cup of the starchy cooking water and drain. Add the pasta to the pan of garlic, along with the remaining clove of minced garlic. Stir in the reserved pasta water and the tablespoon of basil. Salt and pepper to taste. Once warmed through, stir in the parmesan and serve topped with the fresh oregano.